Fall & Early season
I knew the forecast called for a gloriously sunny Monday, so I rearranged my work schedule to get some runs in this morning instead of over the busy weekend. And I was rewarded with an uncrowded early-season ski morning at Sugarbush!
Skiers and riders were skiing the top of the mountain when I arrived. Jester and Downspout were open so I did laps on them via the Heaven's Gate chair, which goes to the top of the 3975-foot-high Lincoln Peak. Later in the morning the...[Read more]
Monday, December 12, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Sugarbush
One to seven inches of snow fell around the state on Wednesday night to help make things look a bit more wintry in Vermont. Today and tonight some areas will see snow showers.
Dipping temperatures have helped with plans for three more ski resorts to spin their lifts for the first time this weekend. Bolton Valley Resort plans to open Saturday, as does Mount Snow. Bromley Mountain plans to open on Sunday.
Mount Snow will celebrate the "first flight" of the Bluebird Express, its...[Read more]
Friday, December 9, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Cross-country skiing, Fall & Early season, Mount Snow, Okemo
What a nice, sunny weekend. And it featured some first-of-the-season happenings today:
Stratton opened for the season Smugglers’ Notch opened for the season I got my first turns of the season today!
While it was a windy day, and lift holds were apparently an issue at Sugarbush, I was able to get some morning runs in at Smugglers’ Notch for the first time this ski season!
Smuggs opened its Sterling Lift and and essentially one long run today. I heard some...[Read more]
Sunday, December 4, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch, Stratton, Sugarbush
This time of year can really try a skier's patience. Temperatures rise and fall. Rain can sneek in, rather than snow. And sometimes we can get a blizzard. You just never know.
As we turned our calendars to December this week, some colder temperatures returned to the region — thankfully — after a warm spell. Snowmaking guns and fans could be heard at several of Vermont's ski resorts. Small armies of snowmakers were painting the ski trails white.
This weekend Stowe, Okemo and...[Read more]
Friday, December 2, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
Mother Nature helped fuel the excitement for a snowy start to the 2011 - 2012 ski season, and five Vermont ski resorts ran lifts this Thanksgiving weekend. But today two of the ski areas have closed until temperatures cool off and more snow can be made.
Sugarbush and Jay Peak have suspended operations today until they can move or make more snow.
Killington, Okemo and Stowe remain open today while temperatures hit the 50s in many towns and villages. Stowe reported that they did...[Read more]
Monday, November 28, 2011
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
This Thanksgiving we're thankful for some fresh snow falling in Vermont! Some higher elevations and ski areas are reporting 6 to 10 inches of new snow so far this morning. The amount depends on location. A wide central swath of the state seems to have picked up a good snowfall.
This morning a few more ski resorts announced their plans to open. So here's a recap of where you can ski in Vermont (these have been announced as of 9 a.m. this morning).
Killington (has been...[Read more]
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
I flew in over a frosty-topped Camel's Hump yesterday afternoon after a trip out of town. I soon heard that the forecast calls for a winter storm tonight into Wednesday! Could be a few to several inches of snow accumulation, or a mix of rain and snow depending where you are in Vermont. [See forecast.]
The new colder temperatures and potential snowfall may help those Vermont ski resorts that want to open this Thanksgiving week and weekend.
Stowe has confirmed that they will...[Read more]
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
With that crazy October snowstorm, Mother Nature allowed Killington to get a jump-start to the ski season. The resort continues to offer skiing daily as weather and conditions allow.
Meanwhile, other Vermont ski resorts are pulling out their snowmaking guns and fans and preparing the lifts and base lodges for skiers and riders later in November and December.
Ski Vermont recently reported these tentative opening dates:
October 29: Killington...[Read more]
Saturday, November 5, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
Yes, we haven't yet hit November — the time when several Vermont ski resorts target their opening dates — but we've got lifts spinning just the same! Mount Snow opened a small jib park with lift service for the weekend, while Killington opened a couple of trails serviced by riding the K-1 Gondola to the Northridge Triple.
The October 29 storm that made a snowy mess in the northeast last night dumped some snow on southern and central Vermont mountains. Not nearly...[Read more]
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Killington, Mount Snow
—UPDATE ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28: Killington and Mount Snow ski resorts in Vermont will both open for skiing this weekend with very, very limited terrain. Check their snow report links on our Vermont ski resorts page for full details. —
Well the weather forecasters were right; we got some snow in the mountains of Vermont today!
The temperatures have dropped and with a couple inches of natural snow in central and southern Vermont, Killington has decided to start making...[Read more]
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Killington, Mount Snow, Stratton
I caught myself grinning underneath my balaclava today. I was riding the Sterling Summit chair at Smugglers' Notch for my first runs of the season, looking left, right, up and down when I realized I was grinning like a fool. I was surrounded by winter! The trees on the top half of the mountain were encrusted with snow. When you were far enough away from the sound of snowmaking, you could hear the branches clink together as they swayed in the wind.It was snowing — dropping big fluffy flakes —...[Read more]
Monday, December 6, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch
Add Bromley Mountain to the list of Vermont ski resorts that plan to be open this weekend. They plan to start spinning their lifts on Saturday.
Here are your choices for Vermont ski areas open this first weekend in December:
BromleyJay PeakKillingtonMount SnowOkemoSmugglers' NotchStoweStrattonSugarbush
Visit our Vermont ski resorts snow conditions links page to check on what lifts and terrain are available. At many resorts only intermediate and expert skiing terrain are available at this...[Read more]
Friday, December 3, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bromley, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton
Updated 12/3/10 AM
It's that time of year: Vermont ski resorts are planning their opening days and making snow to make those opening dates a reality,
Bring on the ski season!
Here's a review of opening dates for skiing at Vermont ski resorts. This information was gathered from the resort Web sites. Do check with the resorts directly to confirm lift operation before you drive there! You can find links to the ski conditions reports at Vermont ski resorts on our Vermont Ski Resorts...[Read more]
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
Happy Election Day! After you vote, you can head over to Killington to get some runs in the North Ridge area of the upper mountain.
The K-1 Gondola provides uploading and downloading, while access back to the top of the K-1 Gondola from the North Ridge area will be via a 5- to 10-minute walk on the new Peak Walkway. And remember, there's no novice terrain open.
Other Vermont ski resorts are preparing for ski season 2010 - 2011 by making snow. They include Mount Snow, Okemo and...[Read more]
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Stowe
Weather Underground is reporting that October 2010 was the wettest and snowiest October on record atop Mount Mansfield.
They wrote in an email alert that "a total of 14.71 inches of liquid precipitation fell on Mount Mansfield during the month of October. This breaks the old record of 14.43 inches set in October 2006.
A total of 34.1 inches of snow fell on Mount Mansfield during the month of October. This breaks the old record of 31.8 inches set in October 2005."
You can see this...[Read more]
Monday, November 1, 2010
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Mt. Mansfield
Are you ready for this? The National Weather Service reports that the higher peaks in Vermont may receive a few inches of snow, which may start falling on Friday!
Check out the mountain forecast here: www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/mountain/ The mountain forecast page is valid for peaks over 3,000 feet.
On that site you'll also see a map with what they are calling a "mountain point" forecast. It's still in test mode, but seems to work pretty well. You can click to keep track of what's happening...[Read more]
Thursday, October 14, 2010
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Filed in: Ascutney, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Mt. Mansfield, Sugarbush
I had a snowy drive to Smugglers' Notch this morning to be among the first to ski there on opening day. It's been a long time coming, eh?
It was snowing this morning and the snowmaking crew seemed to be out in force. I saw them here and there around the base area and along the rather long run that was open for skiing. Several guns were pumping out snow on the mountain.
Sterling lift was running this morning, accessing a winding run made up of Upper Rumrunner to Crossover to Treasure Run.
It...[Read more]
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch
We're off and skiing in Vermont!
Have you hit the slopes yet? I plan to go on Tuesday; I'll be sure to let you know how it is. It's nice to see that occasional snow is in Vermont's forecast this week, as well.
This past weekend you could choose between Killington, Jay Peak, Okemo, Stowe and Sugarbush. Mount Snow opened today with a line of people waiting for their first lift ride, and Stratton and Smugglers' are opening Tuesday. More resorts are slated to open this coming weekend. Check my...[Read more]
Monday, December 7, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Catamount Trail, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
This has been a nerve-racking time for New England skiers. The weather has been like a yo-yo since the first snow fell on Vermont ski resorts on October 1. Yes, back in October! Then again on October 12. But since then, it hasn't been pretty. Changing temperatures have brought snowmaking crews on and off the mountains.
We had a nice mountain snow dump last weekend, followed by warm weather again. So, resorts have been setting and changing their opening dates almost as fast as Lindsey Vonn...[Read more]
Friday, December 4, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season
Now this is more like it.
I'd like to welcome winter to Vermont. Oh, how we've missed you!
This morning Vermont ski resorts are celebrating new snow and the return of seasonably cold temperatures on their peaks. The word is that the new snow is heavy and wet, but that sounds like the start of a great base to me.
The resorts are also reporting that snowmaking is underway again as temperatures have dropped. Several resorts are targeting to open their lifts by the weekend of December 5....[Read more]
Saturday, November 28, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
Have you got a coin nearby? Pick it up and toss it in the air. Heads = some Vermont ski resorts will open on Saturday or Sunday. Tails = they won't.
At this point, it's really up to Mother Nature to deliver some consistent cold temperatures for snowmaking. There is also some noise about the potential for natural snowfall on Friday night. It will probably hit while I'm driving home from my family's holiday gathering, no doubt.
I've updated the list of opening dates at this blog post called...[Read more]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season
Stowe, Okemo and Sugarbush ski resorts are all pushing back their opening dates. The resorts had planned to open November 21, but Mother Nature let them know that was not in the cards.
While we had cold weather earlier this fall that allowed for snowmaking and a few turns to be made, we've recently had unseasonably warm temperatures that will remain for at least a few more days.
I'm keeping an updated list of opening dates of Vermont ski resorts at this other blog post.
Photo: Snowmaking...[Read more]
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
Killington resumes its sporadic early-season skiing on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14. Sunday’s operational status is on hold pending weather and snow conditions.
An interesting top-10 list was released recently: the World's Scariest Ski Slopes. Vermont actually made the list three times with Goat at Stowe; Black Hole at Smugglers' Notch; and Paradise at Mad River Glen.
I've skied two out of the three. How 'bout you?
Here's a link to the list with pictures and video.[Read more]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
Killington will be running its lifts again on Wednesday. If temperatures move out of Indian Summer and back into early winter in a timely manner, they hope to open again for the weekend.
Several Vermont ski resorts are poised to resume snowmaking as soon as possible. Some have targeted opening dates of November 21.
Don't forget the Waitsfield Ski Swap this weekend. Details are found in my list of Vermont ski swaps. I hear American Flatbread will be at the swap serving up slices of pizza.[Read more]
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Ski swaps
I just heard that Killington Resort will open for Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Good thing it's 3:30, any later and it would be night skiing!
They will be running the Northridge and K-1 lifts and there is no novice terrain available.
We've had nice cold evenings here in Vermont and several ski resorts have been making snow.[Read more]
Friday, November 6, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington
Good news: Some Vermont ski resorts are firing up their snowmaking systems as temperatures drop again. On Jay Peak, for example, the weather service says it will get down to around 20 degrees (F) each night this week. Brrrrr. Sounds like perfect weather for making snow.
Here are a few events in northern Vermont in the next two weeks that can help get you in the mood for early-season skiing.
The Cochran's ski swap is this weekend and the Waitsfield ski swap is the following weekend. My...[Read more]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Ski movies, Ski swaps
Mount Snow is open this weekend with some rails and boxes in its Launch Pad beginner area. The mini-park is served by the novice triple chair.
Even with very limited terrain, about 400 skiers and riders came out on Saturday to start their season of sliding on the snow.
Unseasonably cold temperatures this month have allowed Vermont ski resorts to take the snowmaking guns and fans out of storage and make snow.
Mount Snow is not expected to remain open during the week. We'll see if they open...[Read more]
Sunday, October 18, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Mount Snow
Vermont ski resorts reported a couple of inches of fresh snow on their peaks this morning. When I went to check out the Mad River Glen Web cam at 9:15, I spotted this lone skier climbing to earn some very early turns! What timing!
Killington is also reporting that they started snowmaking for the season.
In some areas, the snow is making an artsy statement as it covers some very bright foliage of orange, red and yellow.
I'm so glad I hiked Camel's Hump yesterday before the snow came down....[Read more]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Killington, Mad River Glen
-- For 2010 - 2011 ski season opening dates in Vermont, follow this link. --
I received a list of Vermont ski resort opening dates in my email, as reported by Ski Vermont. Of course, these may change, depending on the weather.
As you may know, Colorado's Loveland Ski Area was the first to open in the country. They loaded their lifts with skiers for the first time on Wednesday, October 7. (Can you believe it?) It was their earliest opening in 40 years. We're closing in on the 2009/2010...[Read more]
Friday, October 9, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bromley, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Magic, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch
The National Weather Service reported three inches of snow fell at the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.
Here's a look at the mountain from the west this afternoon. It's got a nice white tuque!
[Read more]
Friday, October 2, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Mt. Mansfield
The rumors are true; we've had our first snowflakes fall on Vermont mountaintops!
Twitter and Facebook are all a-twitter with excited skiers commenting on photos from their favorite Vermont ski resorts. Here are links to a few photos to get you psyched up, too.
Smugglers' Notch first snowJay PeakMad River GlenStowe snowKillington (video)
Remember, there are more ski swaps this weekend. See my Vermont ski swap post for the schedule.
Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Ski Resort.[Read more]
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch
In Vermont, fall brings cool mornings, apple picking, colorful foliage and trail work!
Over the next couple of months, skiers will meet up in small work crews to prepare Vermont's cross-country and backcountry ski trail, the Catamount Trail. Section by section they'll clear fallen trees, make sure trail markers are visible and generally clear the way for skiers this winter. This 300-mile-long trail is a treasure for freeheeled skiers who like to get out in the woods when...[Read more]
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Cross-country skiing, Fall & Early season
It’s nice to see some smaller ski film producers sharing their wares in Vermont along with the likes of Warren Miller and TGR. Here’s a list of ski movies that I know of thus far – starting as early as September 5. Do check their Web sites for film details, date changes, etc.
Updated 1/20/10
September 5, 2009
“Neverland” by Absinthe Films
Merrill's Roxy Theater, Burlington,...[Read more]
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Ski movies
<Follow this link for the updated 2011 list of Vermont ski swaps.>
Yes, it's getting cool outside. I'm getting antsy, too.
Now's the time to plan your attack on Vermont ski swaps. What gear are you going to unload? What gear do you want to buy?
Well I can't exactly help you with those questions, but at least I can keep you up to date on the fall 2009 Vermont ski swap calendar. I'm adding dates & details as they are made available.
2009 Northern & Central...[Read more]
Monday, August 31, 2009
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Filed in: Cochran's, Fall & Early season, Killington, Okemo, Ski gear, Ski swaps, Smugglers' Notch
What a difference a day makes. Thursday's skiing reminded me of some of the spring skiing I enjoyed last season. After we waited out the morning rain (yes, rain!), we took to the Sterling lift at Smugglers' Notch. There we found soft snow that made you feel like a rock star!
Today, on the other hand, we were transported quickly back to December skiing. The temperatures had dropped overnight and we woke up to sunny skies. As we drove to Smugglers' Notch ski area you could see the snowmaking...[Read more]
Friday, December 5, 2008
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Filed in: Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch
Phew! I just snuck in under the wire. I'm happy to report that I took my first turns for the season in November — just as I did last year — even if it was the very last day of the month.
The Skimeister and I headed up to Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, today to take some early season runs and we were not disappointed. There was plenty of snow on the few snowmaking trails that were open. Natural-snow trails even had some coverage, but rocks, grass and dirt was still showing here and there so skiing...[Read more]
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch
What a combination: a snowy Mt. Mansfield and the glow of a setting sun. The mountain was pink this afternoon as the sun set. The photo is from a Web cam that is positioned at Burlington International Airport, looking east.
All this snow and cold weather gets me in the mood for skiing. Going to the Warren Miller film last night doesn't hurt, either! They had some fun skiing sequences from Iceland (wow, what a unique place!), Crested Butte, Japan, Alaska and even a little bit of Vermont. They...[Read more]
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Fall & Early season, Mt. Mansfield, Ski movies
Since temperatures did a swan dive on Sunday evening, we've been enjoying steady, cold temperatures here in Vermont.
Snowmaking crews are working hard to lay down a good base, and Mother Nature even helped out with up to a handful of inches of fresh snow in the mountains. We even received about an inch of snow here in town this week.
Check out this Web-cam picture from Killington from this morning. The gondola is chugging skiers safely through the blowing snowguns. How luxurious — I usually...[Read more]
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season, Killington
It's raining here in northern Vermont and it's in the 50s. Yeah, it isn't a pretty picture.
But, hey, it's still early in November and we have some time for the weather to turn cold and for snowmaking to do its thing before Thanksgiving. And wouldn't it be wonderful if we had a dump of snow in the mountains that weekend like we did last year? (See last year's First Freshies post.)
The three ski areas that were going to run the lifts this weekend are not open.
Mt. Snow's Web site reports:...[Read more]
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Fall & Early season
I got an e-mail from Ski Vermont and it included a run-down of opening dates for Vermont ski resorts. Yay!
These are listed in chronological order. Please visit my Vermont Ski Resorts page and double check that they are open before you go—you just never know...
The temperatures here in northern Vermont are nice and cool through Thursday, but then it may warm up a bit, says NWS.
Vermont Ski Resorts — Projected Dates to Open
Mt. Snow: Projected re-opening weekend of November 14...[Read more]
Monday, November 10, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Cross-country skiing, Fall & Early season
